Courtesy photo
New Hampshire SPCA workers rescue horses from the New Durham home of Christina Thomas. She was recently convicted of child abuse for starving and abusing a little boy living at her home.

NEW DURHAM — On Thursday, March 7, the New Hampshire SPCA took possession of three horses that had been owned by Christina Thomas of New Durham.

Thomas has been convicted of one count of first-degree felony assault against a child, but has yet to be sentenced.

NHSPCA's Humane Agent, Steve Sprowl, accompanied by several staff members, arrived at the home to collect the horses after Thomas' family expressed their unwillingness and inability to continue to care for them. The case involves three horses in need, an older Tennessee Walker named Jack, a Mini named Coco, and a young gelding Paint, named Freedom.

Two of the three have been surrendered. The third horse's fate is yet to be determined. The fate of the other animals on the property has yet to be determined and the SPCA may make a return trip in the coming weeks. These three join 12 other horses that are currently under the care of the New Hampshire SPCA.

“We didn't really have room for three more horses,” said Lisa Dennison, executive director of the New Hampshire SPCA. “But we are the only full service shelter in New Hampshire that still takes in horses in need, so with the help of our community, we were able to find room in our paddocks for three more.”

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SPCA workers ready to take horses from the New Durham home owned by Christina Thomas, who was recently convicted of child abuse. (Courtesy photo)

Many of them have been here for more than two years, the shortest length of stay at this point is already seven months and climbing with little hope for new homes in the near future. With court cases still pending and rehabilitation needed, they, too, will all be here a very long time, according to the SPCA.

The New Hampshire SPCA is an open admission, unlimited stay facility, which means that even when their paddocks or kennels are overflowing with horses, or dogs or cats, they remain open to animals in need. The agency's policy is to find space and make room for animals in need, and then to find them homes.

Although the case of these three horses has an unusual beginning, it is much like every day for the NHSPCA — providing a safety net for animals whose lives depend on it, said SPCA officials in a press release. Jack, Coco and Freedom are now settling in. Jack and Freedom are currently available for adoption.

Community members wishing to help the New Hampshire SPCA care for the three horses in this case, as well as other horses and victims of cruelty or neglect can make a tax deductible donation to the SOS Fund, c/o New Hampshire SPCA, PO Box 196, Stratham, NH 03885 or go to our website at www.nhspca.org.